Originally Posted by
Nomercy448
Since this original posting, I've actually made up my mind and spent some money. I decided that I do indeed need another 338wm, AND to go ahead with converting my 30-06 to a 30-06 + 338-06 Switch rig. I was placing an order for a handful of barrels, so I took advantage of the volume discount and bought as many as I thought I could use. They're all supposed to be here in late June or July, and the end result will be 3 switch barrel rifle rigs - 30-06/338-06, 7mmRM/338wm, and 300wm/458wm - plus a 416 Rigby single-tuber. I spent a little too much this winter on a couple revolver projects, plus a couple new AR's for me and the missus, then a couple of exhibition grade stock blanks, so the barrels will sit around for a few months collecting dust before they get spun onto the receivers.
To clarify what I was asking about in this post, again, I wasn't ever considering a comparison of the 338wm vs. the 30-06. I've owned both (and since this originally aired - I own a 338WM again), and have killed game with both. My question was more a casual "convince me I'm not crazy for wanting a 338-06 too".
I'm not really a fan of the lightweight bullets in the 338wm, nor of superweight pills in the 30-06 or 300wm, hence my desire for different cartridges for their respective applications. At the end of the day, I know I CAN DO a lot of things with my reloading press, but I also know there are only a few things that I WANT TO DO. There are disadvantages of running 160grn 338wm rounds just like there are disadvantages to running 220grn 30-06 loads. I'm a type that leans towards selecting the most desirable bullet weight for a given bore diameter.
Luckily for me, I'm financially irresponsible enough to blow any spare dollars I can scrounge up on rifles, so I'm not stuck with just one or two rifle cartridges in my safe - heck, I'm glad I'm not limited to a dozen cartridges, let alone a few!
Nomercy, I understand u better now...& Thx yes..but imhv,indeed, how will one go about, 1st'ly, re the actual switching of the barrels in these 3 rigs ?..will u do it yourself or not, or will g-smith help(before the trip ?) ?..therefor then,it probably won't/can't be a quick-switching job at the home/in the bush ?...ie, for myself I do foresee problems with adjusting headspace, etc, every time a barrel is switched, so, if I were in your shoes I'd carefully consider this aspect..& depending on yr own circumstances..
Fortunately I see tht the measurements of the back of the diff calibre-shells will not influence swopping the bolt..& these 3 rigs are nicely balanced, as well, again imho..
Pl do not get me wrong, u yo-self may not have prob's in these regards, but, myself being in your shoes will definitely be hard-pressed..
& yes, here we occasional-hunters are being limited to 1, 2 or 3 rifles(fire-arms) by LAW, lack of money/resources doesn't even come into play..iow, we have to carefully/properly motivate each & every F-arm/barrel application to the authorities EVERYTIME, & therefor,
alternatively, some(many) alternate loads needs to be developed for one & same rifle..& if there is a switch-barrel involved, BOTH/each, the barrels must be properly motivated & licensed..
It is not expected tht your local laws/regulations to be so draconian yet, though..
Any event.. Enjoy & keep us informed ?
app